From Small Acts Come Great Joy
Mihiri was awarded a 2005 NetAid Global Action Award for her relief effort in Sri Lanka. She was also a leader in the 2004-2005 NetAid Global Citizen Corps.
I can't believe summer's almost over! Thinking about my trip to Sri Lanka brings a smile to my face. I went there just two weeks after finishing my freshman year of college, with my parents and my friend Charlini, who volunteered in my family's programs in 2004. It was so exciting! I witnessed water gushing out from a newly dug well, the happiness of tsunami-affected families in their new homes, and the smiles of rural schoolchildren we taught.
Water Project
My water project took a few years to get into gear, but it finally happened with the help of NetAid. I used the award money from the Global Action Award towards a water project that will provide drinking water to a cluster of villages. This June, we eagerly waited with the villagers while technicians from the Water Board drilled through 250 feet of granite. This well would bring clean drinking water to 300 families! Finally, at dusk, the water surged out, first in a small jet, and then in a huge geyser. And there we were, soaked to the bone and screaming joyously – it was such a beautiful moment.
In August, another well was dug near this site, and both wells were full of fresh water. The next phase will be to build overhead tanks and put pipelines into the villages. A lot of work lies ahead, but I know that with the help of the enthusiastic villagers, we will get it done!
Special Education Classroom
When a special education teacher told me that the developmentally-challenged students in his school don't even have their own classroom, I promised him I would help start a unit for them. The principal gave us a room, and we painted it and decorated with the arts and crafts the kids made. The teacher was really excited by how well the kids responded to the special education materials we gave the class.
Nomadic Children
I also worked with the children of a nomadic group, who have been living in the same area for the past seven years. They live in shacks with no furniture, and the children do their schoolwork on dirt floors. They were thrilled when I brought them desks and chairs! I'm determined to build homes for these families. I am able to start these two projects thanks to the award money I received from TeenPeople.
I'm really excited and I can't wait for my next trip! To check out more about our projects, please visit us at www.empoweravillage.org.
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